La Fontaine de Mars

Practical information

Address: 129 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007Nearest transport: École Militaire (8) or Pont de l’Alma (RER C)Hours: Open every day for lunch and dinnerReservations: Book a few days in advanceTelephone: 01 47 05 46 44Average price for lunch: 35-49€Average price for dinner: 35-49€Style of cuisine: French, SouthwesternWebsite

Reviews of interest

Alexander Lobrano (2009) “…we had a very, very good meal, and that this place has vaulted to the top of my Sunday lunch…I couldn’t resist the oeufs au Madiran “facon meurette,” which are as good a reason as I can imagine to get out of bed on a Sunday before noon…”

3 Comments on La Fontaine de Mars

For those on more of a budget, don’t forget Le Petit Cler (in the rue Cler) run by the same owners as the Fontaine de Mars. Their small menu offers classic French fare that is consistently good (I usually get the tartare), it’s open on Sunday and also provides an authentic atmosphere that reminds you that you are, after all, in France. The terrasse is nice for people watching, too.

Thank you Randy especially for the prices “For the three of us for lunch the bill came to 193€, this included the aperitifs and 3 ‘pots’ (jars) of their house wines, which by the way were excellent at 12€ a jar (maybe 50-60cl).” Too many commentators omit this. Again thanks.

For starters: a friend ordered the tête de veau salad with potatoes. We all tasted it and agreed it was really, really delicious, it was cooked beautifully.

Another friend had the game terrine with fig chutney. This terrine was good, but nothing to write home about.

I had the special trio of bad-for-your-health poached egg, cream and foie gras. Oh my God, I just died and went to heaven, but what a way to go. It’s difficult to serve a hot dish with a poached egg, because oftentimes the egg is overcooked and becomes semi-hard rather than coddled. This was cooked to perfection.

For our plat, one friend ordered the sea bass with leeks and with specks of truffles. The fish was excellent, crispy skin and tender white flesh. However, she thought the leeks were a bit salty for her liking.

Another friend had the “black pudding” (boudin noir) served with apples. Surprisingly, when you think of boudin, you think of sausage; however, it was served without the “casing.” I have to say, I really liked this dish a lot because it was the first time I had it served this way, and I’ve always liked foods with a crispy exterior and tender interior, which was the case for this particular dish.

I had the fish “St. Pierre”, otherwise known as “John Dory” fish with a confit of tomatoes. Loved, loved this dish. Very simple, but tasty in its delivery.

At this point we were actually all full for dessert, but opted to share a cheese plate.

In summary, I liked this restaurant a lot. Service was EXCELLENT. We can see why your reviewers recommended it. I would go back in a heartbeat. It’s not an inexpensive restaurant. For the three of us for lunch the bill came to 193€, this included the aperitifs and 3 ‘pots’ (jars) of their house wines, which by the way were excellent at 12€ a jar (maybe 50-60cl).